This is a wonderful book on how one's pursuit toward a specific goal can be completely derailed and turn one's life around.

An American climber sets out to conquer K2 when a series of events prevent him from completing his journey. Instead he stumbles into an unmapped town which leads to his promissing that he will return to build a school.

The book details Greg Mortenson's difficulties in obtaining funds, finding the materials and local support as he struggles to keep his promise to this Pakistani village. Not to mention he encounters resistance from Muslim leaders and tries to keep up with the competing Al-Qaeda school (I regret that I don't recall their names, and I've loaned out my copy of the book. Starts with an M though. *g*).

I was very moved by Mortenson's story, co-written by David Oliver Relin an highly recommend this gem.

Three Cups of Tea